Abbott Doubles Down On Busing Migrants To DC
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is taking a defiant stand against a Biden administration proposal to confine illegal migrants to the Lone Star State. In response to a reported plan unveiled by the administration, Abbott has declared, “We will add even more buses of migrants to Washington D.C.”
The governor made this pledge on X, formerly known as Twitter, as a countermove to the Biden administration’s potential policy change. According to a Los Angeles Times report, the administration contemplates forcing migrant families to stay in Texas during the asylum process. This isn’t the first time such an idea has been floated; it harks back to the Reagan era and was shot down by a judge in the past. “This scam was tried years ago & was shot down by a judge,” Abbott stated, ensuring that Texans and the nation understand the historical precedent.
Abbott’s pushback is part of a broader narrative of conservative-led states taking matters into their own hands amid what many view as federal neglect. Texas has already been proactive, implementing a policy of busing migrants to sanctuary cities to underline the administration’s perceived apathy toward border security. So far, Abbott’s buses have transported over 13,000 migrants to New York City alone, a city already grappling with an unprecedented influx of migrants. Mayor Eric Adams warned, “We’re getting no support on this national crisis, and we’re receiving no support.”
What makes this situation even more pressing is the sheer number of illegal entries into the U.S. since Biden took office. Texas has been particularly affected, with a legal battle ensuing over measures such as a buoy barrier on the Rio Grande River to stop migrant crossings. Over 6 million migrants have crossed the U.S. border illegally since Biden assumed the presidency, further stretching resources and triggering concerns about national security.
Texas has been exploring various strategies to address the massive increase in illegal migration. Abbott noted that “Texas has shipped more than 35,000 migrants to sanctuary cities since August 2022.” While the federal government seems to be in a policy limbo, states like Texas are compelled to find alternative measures. This divide between state and federal governments echoes more significant questions about sovereignty, governance, and the role of states in an era of contentious national leadership.
Some critics may argue that Abbott’s actions are politically motivated or lack compassion. However, the ongoing crisis requires pragmatic solutions that go beyond mere rhetoric. When even Democratic leaders like Adams are sounding alarms, acknowledging that the situation threatens to “destroy New York City,” it’s clear that action is urgently needed. For his part, Abbott has chosen a route that simultaneously emphasizes the impact of lax border policies and pushes the issue into the national spotlight.
As the Biden administration mulls over keeping migrants in Texas, Abbott is upping the ante. Whether one agrees with the governor’s tactics or not, it’s apparent that he is unwilling to sit idly by as his state bears the brunt of federal inaction and indifference.
